New legislation in Illinois ensures students there will learn the unique role the LGBT community played in shaping American history.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) just signed off on House Bill 346. The law requires all state schools to include "the role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people" to society in official textbooks. The Illinois State Board of Education will oversee text selection.
"One of the best ways to overcome intolerance is through education and exposure to different people and viewpoints, " explained State Sen. Heather Steans (D). Steans first sponsored the legislation. "It is my hope that teaching students about the valuable contributions LGBTQ individuals have made throughout history will create a safer environment with fewer incidents of harassment. LGBTQ children and teenagers will also be able to gain new role models who share life experiences with them."
Invaluable or Inappropriate?
But not everyone is on board with Bill 246, which will formally take effect in July of next year. In fact, six states already prohibit the 'promotion' of homosexuality in their schools. These laws bar schools from talking about homosexuality in health or sex education classes.
The executive director of the American Principles Project, Terry Schilling, believes activists aren't acting in good faith. Schilling proposes they are hiding under the cloak of both historical awakening and anti-bullying to push "a very targeted expansion" of already explicit sex education courses. Consequently, he had some harsh words.
"I can't think of anything weirder than being obsessed with teaching young children about sexuality. Even most parents struggle with this topic because of its difficulty, but somehow we as parents are OK with a complete stranger teaching them," Schilling wrote in an email to The Christian Post Monday. "Parents need to reclaim their role as the primary educators of their children. No one else has that right or responsibility."
Also, Schilling argues this legislation comes as US students languish academically. Recent Pew research shows the U.S. is ranked 24th in science, 38th in math and 24th in reading.
"American children today don't even know the basics of history. They are already essentially being taught that America was founded by white men who oppressed women and minorities instead of what America was really founded on the notion of human dignity, that all men are created equal and have inalienable rights. And now, we are adding in completely irrelevant content to our schools." He continues, drawing comparisons to secular religion. "These laws are not just an assault on the innocence of children; they are the imposition of a belief system through the public schools."
LGBT History Laws Increasingly Common
Despite similar opposition, educational curricula focused on LGBT history have been recently enshrined into law in both New Jersey and Colorado.
For Brian C. Johnson, CEO of Equality Illinois, this is a step in the right direction. "As a former first-grade teacher, I know how an inclusive education system can create change within a community. With this law, we will get closer as a state to telling the whole story of our shared history."
As a result, Johnson thanked Governor Pritzker for "ensuring LGBTQ youth in Illinois will now see themselves in the history they are taught. We are excited this bill is now law in 2019-- the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the birth of the modern LGBTQ equality movement."
Additionally, the legislation requires schools also teach about the role of labor unions in achieving the goals of a mixed free enterprise system. No Illinois students shall pass the eighth grade without proving their thorough knowledge of both topics.
What do you think? Should parents be the ultimate arbiter about when their children learn about sexuality? Or is this a smart step towards giving LGBT youth American heroes they can relate to?
106 comments
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William Thompson
I believe that government has overstepped boundaries reserved for parents. Not too long ago I registered my nephew for school and gave them explicit instructions not to enroll him in alternative life style courses. Fortunately, I was informed that the courses were excluded in the budget cuts.
The subject is confusing and complicated for young students. I strongly believe that the subject is a private matter that should be addressed when both the student and parent are ready.
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Michelle
Wow again not talking explicit sex. We are talking history and education. People said the same thing about black history month. But maybe you are against that too
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Minister Carey
What exactly did people say about “black” history month? Most “black” history taught in schools is around slavery in America. Hardly about “black” ancient and contemporary history around the world. Such as how they built pyramids, temples, and libraries in Egypt, Sudan, and other parts of the world. Or that “black” people were and are not just Africans. Or how the Moors (“blacks” in North Africa) conquered Spain and civilized parts of Europe. Or how “black” Africans traded with “blacks” in the Americas before Columbus was a zygote in his mother’s womb. Or very little about the inventions of enslaved “blacks” in America. Or how “blacks” in America owned plantations and “white” slaves. And I am now hearing that a part of “black” history in America is being rewritten as “black” Africans coming to America as “indentured” vs. kidnapped and enslaved.
So what part of, or what type of his-story will be taught regarding LGBT? Will it begin one way and morph to another type of his-story?
Why not teach the parents how to research these topics and allow them to teach their children.
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Henry
Well said. Thank you.
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Carolyn Chaperon
Teaching equality for All is something that needs to be taught throughout All our global cultures with equal and open access to the truths that All Faith's teach. Teachers should emphasize more how we as humans caring for and about All creatures Great and Small, humans included brings about outcomes that Benifit the Entire planet.
Any time humans ignore, dismiss, punish behaviors deemed not acceptable without understanding & compassion the behavior will twist into something even less desirable.
For this comment in particular, Human beings are sexual emotional creatures and for our general health and wellbeing open consenting expressions of our nature between adults is something that benifits Everyone.
Perhaps those who feel such disdain for teaching human sexuality in a forum during puberty should question their own repressed humanity.
Their should be more taught on Open communication using words, being true to ones self and respect for others, most importantly.
Leaving social differences to be discussed Only by parents leaves enormous gaps in educating upcoming generations. If leaving it to Only parents to teach thing that they may find uncomfortable was a winning recipe for Everyones well being... Things like all the "ISMS" would be a thing of the past and those who strive to divide and conquer human beings in the name of profit would not be so effective.
Namaste
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Rev Willie Jake Valient
Well said indeed !!
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William Plante
So true. Don't forget to include all the gays and lesbians worldwide throughout history that contributed so much good. They are people like "straights".
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Olivia
Why are you putting black in quotations
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Amber
I don't believe so. Kids grow up to be adults and when they are taught things that are just not true from fearful religious or family members they can get quite the culture shock in adulthood. Giving them the information as they grow up so they can choose for themselves as adults would be more far more prudent.
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Rev Willie Jake Valient
Like....... the snowflakes ???
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james thomas
"snowflakes" being a derogatory term used to bully others.
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Keith St Clare
Is Love an Answer?
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Lori
As for the parents being the arbiter: sure there are a lot of intelligent parents that are very capable of educating their children, but there are so, so many that aren't. So that's a tough one. I think the school should offer the correct information about where babies come from and how it happens, as well as different sexual preferences, as long as it isn't presented crudely. I also think that anyone, including those in the LGBT community, who has contributed to the history of this world should be included in general education. American heroes are American heroes. The facts should never be covered up or removed from our history because some religious groups can't deal with them.
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Carolyn Chaperon
Completely Agree.
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Jeffrey Frye D. D.
I think that as long as it is kept age appropriate and the teacher's stick to the facts then I'm fine with it!
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Michelle
People we are talking about the history of lgbtq. We are not talking the Kama sutra for gay lovers. People stop your prejudice. Think history and relax. Most kids will end up hating it as much as the hate other history.
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Sue
Michelle the kama sutra- hilarious! The fact that some people think educating students on lgbt is not appropriate tells me how little they know about lgbt. The adults could use the education!
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Amber
Agreed, they certainly could. Actually I'd think if the church would actually host an adults only seminar on what would be taught in the classes so their minds would be put a bit more to ease then it would help a great deal.
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Rev.Jimmy
The bible says for no man or woman to lay with the same sex they will be thrown into the lake of fire. People need to put more emphasis on reading there bible instead of teaching LGBT. It's not history its perversion
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Lionheart
The Bible of course says lots of crazy things written by men, all individually being selected to suit different religious narratives.
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Keith St Clare
“There”? Where is your English education ?
Are you advocating ‘mass’ murders? Holy wars?
Do you actually know the context, origin and principle of Leviticus? Have you read the texts? It’s available.
Scripture is not as simple as a cookbook.
Avoid Red Dresses! Etc.
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BRIAN
The children's parents not an outside source should be teaching their kids about sex and sexual orientation. But with that being said I agree with Michelle because if some in history were LGBT and they contributed to history/society and were important historical figures then absolutely our kids should know about them. Just because someone is gay/straight/Bi should not exclude them from history.
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BRIAN
Or our kids not learning about them.
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John A Anderson, CD, CIF Mons ON
So, hopefully, Turing and those like him, will finally get their due. For those who do not know, he led the group at Bletchley Park that cracked the Enigma machine, allowing the Allies to read U Boat messages, and divert Q boats to their intended attack points, with the convoys being routed around them. The subs surfaced, and were sank. However, after the war, his homosexuality became a liability, and he was shuffled out, rather than getting the recognition deserved.
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Jeannine M
And that is part of the problem, parents continuing to impart without question their programming processes and biases generation after generation and probably why sexism, rascism, incest, child pregnancies and marriages are still so high and prevalent and more “socially, religious and family acceptable”, than LGBTQ or race differences!
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Lori
This is so true, Jeannie. Home is where most the BS comes from. The parents learned it from their parents, so you, as a child, see it as truth. If you come from a family of bullies there's a reasonable chance that you will carry that on. Some kids are pretty amazing and they change the pattern their parents have been clinging to. Those are the ones that change the world for the better.
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Kirk
What happened to the three Rs? Go back to teaching the basics and quit wasting time. Teachers are busy enough, now you want them to go to seminars to learn another baseless curriculum. The Constitution including its amendments says all people are equal. Let’s go back to teaching that.
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Mary Shaw
Couldn't agree more, most of the teaching today has gone overboard and into territories that is none of its business. What I envisage is babies born and handed over to others to brainwash, parent just the giver of life, then job done.
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Kevin
Well Kirk, that would be nice, but you have to think about the fact that our last president took away the ability to write in schools anymore, well that only leaves 2 r's left, but if you can't write it how can you read it. After all our constitution is written in cursive. Okay so now we only have 1 r left, can you help your kids with the math they teach today? if not you're not alone, most parents can't because we were not taught how to teach our kids this math. well there goes r #3. As far as the constitution and it's amendments saying all people are equal, that's the only thing they are trying to prove by adding in LGBTQ to the lessons. I know I'm exaggerating a bit, but think about it for a minute, if we can at least teach them a little bit about real history from all walks of life and what our ancestors, forefathers, and great leaders even heros had to overcome to get rights, acceptance, and integration in to this great nation that we once lived in, imagine what a great nation of leaders we may yet inspire once again, without fear of persecution, or prejudice. I mean what are they afraid of that our children may finally have the facts and not the rumors. If they are so worried about it, why not get a preview of the lessons that will be taught.
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Rev.Jimmy
I couldnt agree more teach them what they need to know so they can get a good job and not live off of the system. There are others who need it
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MJ
I used to be a teacher and I think teaching LGBT history is appropriate for high school students and inappropriate for elementary and junior high school level students. We have yet to teach an accurate American history curriculum at all grade levels and we don't even teach a class in healthy sex education. Teaching LGBT would just compound the problem.
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Gary A. Moore
Leviticus 20:13 (KJV) If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them
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Jeannine M
Maybe that means I’d a man commits untruths with mankind, ie humanity just as he commits untruths with a woman than the liar is an abomination! What about Gods Commandments? God reserves judgement for God, he does not fire that power to you! Also God commands you to not commit adultery or murder, for any reason! It does not say, though shalt not commit murder except when a man lies with a man as he lies with a woman! If you are gonna read the Bible and quote from it and ascribe to it keep the whole Bible in context! Gods commandments carry far more weight than any singular verse of interpretive perception!
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Rev Ned
Eating shrimp and getting tattooed are also abominations.
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Lionheart
We should also be stoning people to death as capital punishment, and having slaves, being as your god approves of it.
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Allen
Please get out of the Old Testament, and out of the Hebrew Scriptures. We consider ourselves Christians, may I ask you,What do you consider yourself?
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Lionheart
A secular humanist. I got out of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and all deistic religion years ago. Thank you for asking, Allen. ?❤️
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james thomas
the 10 commandments are in the old testament - shall we ignore those also when it doesn't suit us?
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Preacher Man
Excellent choice! Unfortunately, the liberals will twist it around and rip it apart until they can quote an out-of-context parody that defends their position...much like what they try to do with the Second Amendment.
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Rev.Jimmy
Aman so true the whole forum needs to read this comment. Made my day. Thank the lord for true believers.
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Jon
Things have become so bizarre and destructive since we have allowed all of this change. We should all be ashamed. The liberals have ruined the world in my opinion. No pledge, no pride, no prayer, nothing good.
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CD Pax
Jon, ashamed? You say "liberals have ruined the world"? Geez, how many of them are there? Got names? Where do they all live? Pretty general and unfounded statement, I'd say. What do you believe and do you think only what you believe is true? Identify bizarre and destructive so we understand your specific point, please.
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james thomas
so I guess it's time for your loving god to flood the earth again and destroy all of mankind, including children and pregnant women..but wait, there is the rainbow, his promise he wont ever be so cruel again - maybe it should be, ironically, put on a flag.
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Robert B
Jon, my brother. you have been brainwashed. There is so much more to life than your tribe has shown you. Go and look at the stars on a clear night and feel the vastness of His creation. Humble yourself. Break free.
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Lionheart
Better still, go outside at night when the sky is calm with no clouds, look up at the stars, and look at the beauty and be grateful you are not about to be destroyed by a tsunami, tornado, earthquake or flood, because someone somewhere might be going through just that.
Be grateful for your education, and be thankful you have broken free of religious indoctrination.
Be thankful you have freedom of thought and are not bound tightly by religious dogma.
Be loving and kind, and care for your fellow man.
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Carolyn Chaperon
Conservatives need to adapt or move to Syria, Where there dreams already exist.
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Dan Fenning
If your Faith prohibits freedom to another Human being, you are doing something wrong!
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Dawn
The set curriculum should guide educators what should and shouldn’t be addressed so in the end I don’t feel students will learn anything of concern. As for your faith saying that is wrong, well I believe you should be guided by faith but also understand that god loves everyone and the average man has no say in judgement day.
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Beth
I dont agree with it at all I live in Illinois and after this school year I will be pulling my daughter out of public school. Its teaching kids that it's ok to be LGBTQ and not a sin
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Lionheart
Your daughter will find out one way or another. There could even be a time where she might want to align herself with being homosexual, or even bisexual, or some of her friends might be that way. Trying to indoctrinate her into mythical religion to believe in sin is just as bad as what you are trying to steer her away from.......education!
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Laura Marie
I hope ALL of your grandchildren are homosexual and biracial.
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Rev.Jimmy
God bless you for standing for the truth.
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Hazel D Graep
This is not about sex, it's history, not what they're doing in bed.
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Robert D Kaufmann
Why don't all of you access the curriculum and read what will be taught before getting in a dither?
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Darrell he’bert
Uh, Reading, writing, math, science, and history pls.
Let’s let parents take care of everything else... pleeeeeeseChristianschoolsaregrowing
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Hoggdogg
Why should the school be teaching on lbg. They remove chrisitiny in schools and now the school pushing lbg. For what dont make any since
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Robert B
Lol. LGBT is real, religion is just thoughts. That is why. Better to teach real things in school, not just beliefs.
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Thom
My question is, when they mention straight people in history, do they say a straight Thomas Jefferson did "X" in our nation's history? The sexual orientation of someone for acts they have done for history should not be mentioned.
If gay was normal why are people still so nervous about coming out of the closet?
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Robert B
Thom, perhaps think of it this way: “if Jew was normal, why are they so worried about wearing the star?”
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sonia christensen
Against!
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videoscenes
I'm against this teaching. LGBTQ IS A SEXUAL PREFERENCE. Society has now accepted it as a MINORITY. They are not. Their contributions to society are as individuals and appreciated.
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Rev.Jimmy
LGBT is an abomination in the site of God. We need to teach our children right from wrong. Grow them up believing in the bible and 99 percent of the time they will not stay into this kind of perversion. God made Adam and eve not Adam and steve. The bible says a man that finds a wife finds a good thing and has fever with the lord. God only makes master peices not freaks of nature and it shouldnt be thought to any kids. Gods grace be with you all. We need to get on our knees but to cry out to the lord our God and ask for forgiveness of all this perversion. God bless you all.
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Lionheart
No Jimmy, you are wrong. We need to teach our children how to think, not what to think. They need to be free to choose for themselves, having been educated, and having evaluated all options, and having studied logic and reason. This way, they become free from indoctrination and dogma, totally free to choose.
?❤️
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Lori
Yeah!!!!!!!!!
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Keith St Clare
May the God of Grammar forgive and guide you from the error of you ways.
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Robert B
Lol. Wait a second - then who made Adam and Steve?
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CD Pax
Mr. Jimmy, you could educate yourself a little more. God loves all of us. He created us. Jesus said "I give you a new commandment" to love one another."
It is not a choice. It is not a perversion. Maybe educate yourself a bit, truly. There may be another way for you to understand the love of God. Open your mind, perhaps.
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Robert Tucker
“Additionally, the legislation requires schools also teach about the role of labor unions...”
And no one caught this little gem. Something smells like fish...
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Saul Good
It must be confusing to young boys to be taught that gay male sex is o.k. in one class and that HIV/AIDS can kill you in another class.
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Reverend C Sense
Teaching anything about LGBTQ+ to children is sick and twisted. It is promoted by pedophiles, child rapists and left wing extremists who are trying to break down the structure of society by alienating the normal family group, and promoting abnormality as normal. Think about what all those letters actually mean. The underlying functionality of all the different terms listed in LGBTQ+ is to engage in abnormal sexual activities. Be it same sex which is by far the most normal of the lot, of Bi-sex - relatively normal. The we get to the mentally ill people. Those that identify as a different gender, or those that believe they are changing from one thing to another. Lastly there is the Q for queer. This is a political designation to try and offend straight people. Most of the people who fall in to most of the categories are suffering from a mental illness, and should be helped to understand their conditions and guided along a path to recovery, NOT be allowed to go around telling the world that their sickness is something to be proud of, and forcing children to listen to their filthy words and deviations. If I decided to self identify as a dog, started wearing a dog collar and barking a lot, people would initially find it funny. If I then started walking about naked on all fours, urinating up lampposts and taking a crap in the street, or trying to mount peoples pet pooches whilst they are being exercised, people would start to think there may be something mentally wrong with me. IF I then started to insist that other peoples children should be taught about my lifestyle and encouraged to believe that it is not just normal, but it is MORE than normal to engage in sex with animals, to crap on the neighbours lawn and eat my dinner from a bowl on the floor, People might think I was taking it a step too far. Likewise with the poofs and queers. They suffer from a mental illness. They should be helped to recovery, not encouraged to believe that they are fine and dandy, when the poor folk just need some medical assistance.
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Pastor Bob
From FB Comments and current news reporting, I'd think they should emphasize civics education so students realize what type of government is in the US and why it worked for over 200 years. Then issues such as BGLTQ rights and history will not be an issue. Just focusing upon one group as victims, only serves to victimize all outsiders and focus upon one issue. That is propagandizing.
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Larry T Grim
If you can't put GOD back in our schools. Then this shouldn't be allowed either! PERIOD!!!!!!! THIS IS AN ABOMINATION TO OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR!!!
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Lionheart
In your statement, were you referencing any particular man made god, or just the one you believe in?
What if there are students that are secular and don't want to worship any mythical god, or students that want to worship another mythical god other than yours?
Just asking!
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Christine E. Desaulnier
I agree with you. It falls under discrimination of heterosexuality. Are they going to give the STRAIGHT PEOPLE in history the same notations.. See, this is ridiculous.. Kids and 90 percent of the world doesn't care about who WAS gay. Their dead. Being gay had nothing to do with the reason why they're in history books.
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Rev.
There is nothing wrong with educating our youth about GLBTQ. If it is such a bad thing to fall under any of those then why do we see the same thing in Nature. People have a right to be proud of who they are, and correct me if im wrong, but the Bible says only GOD casts judgement. And if we are here judgeing people just because of this isnt that comparing yourself to GOD which is a major sin? And those letters and words were created just because man has to label everything to create problems. Instead of freting over a persons sexuality lets concern ourselfs with real problems, like WAR, FAMIN & POVERITY.
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Rev.
To sit here and disresecpt someone due to whom they are IS a mental illness. Being who you are proud to be IS NOT a mental illness
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Keith St Clare
Rev. Jim, I urge you to proof read your posts carefully. The syntax, spelling, and grammatical errors are embarrassing... even for malcontents, and those who are poorly educated.
Again, this is particularly significant and non-scholarly when discussing theological matters.
Focus, if you can, on ‘red letter’ Christ. Your opinions demean the exact words attributed to Him. Carefully study His messages in the reputable versions of the Bible; Christ’s own concepts, speeches, parables, and literal sermons are clear, subtle, and comprehensive.
They apply to grace, love, justice, wisdom, equality, understanding, and many other virtues.
He...has even shown us kindly those who have been led astray by others, or who have failed through self-interest or misinterpretation to fulfill themselves.
If, He is the Truth.
How, do others compare or interpret?
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Keith St Clare
Education is a progressive compendium of facts such as math, or concepts such as science; and combinations, such as literature, history, social studies, physical development, etc, as well as self expressions such as art, music, and again etc.
What they all have in common is the beatification of the mind, the body, the society; as well as the intangible and the tangible resources...at the moment, of our home, our only solar system.
The wisest words enunciated and compounded in this marvelous ‘mind melt’ to date is that we all have an obligation to consume, promote, and to expand why...and how we learn....in part to avoid the destiny or persistence some ignorant plants and animals, such as the Dodo Birds. They...as opposed to climates, refuse to change.
Mammals adapt, learn, improve, and help each each other; improving each other lovingly.
Only Religious study, the understanding of what is permanent, pervasive and truly important..and that which can be used to organize safely what is new, or renewed.
Peace and love...survives all.
Communication and cooperation is essential in order build a strong system that serves and needs everyone.
Obviously, we have been diagramming the logic of Jesus, the Christ: The Sermon on the Mound and The Beatitudes, His two condensed commandments and parables...and more. These can settle our differences briskly.
Moving ahead ...let us embrace all those at the base of the Cross, within the empty Tomb, in the Room and in the expanding Communion of Innovative, Inclusive, and Christian Communities.
Imagine the opportunities for expansion of our Congregations; our Laity, Chorus, Administration and the improvement of pious mental health.
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Christine E. Desaulnier
No.. On so many levels it's wrong. Put a star notation next to names of gay *person. that's all thata needed to let the public /kids know any SPECIAL INFORMATION about a person in history as we have been doing for many years already. I disapprove that strangers will be teaching children that be not heterosexual is NORMAL and within legal limits of the Bible , bcz it's not. I'm tired of everyone shoving LGBTQ down our throats and into MINDS of "OUR MINOR UNDER AGE CHILDREN". TEACH ABOUT BULLYING.. I LOST ONE G-SON & A NEPHEW. I've lost friends who it affected them in later years who committed suicide.
FORGET ABOUT PLEASING THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY..?♂?♀. ""TAKE CARE OF OUR CHILDREN "" SHOULD BE OUR MANTRA & MOTTO.. ?♀?♂ IVE had many rainbow colored friends.. Through my many 61 years of life. I didn't need government to teach me how to not hate any person. My parents taught me and my 12 other siblings to be kind, sympathetic etc.. Maybe government should be TEACHING LOVE instead of its OK to Be Gay.. Bcz teaching children how to grow up understanding being a good person is worth more then anything.
1. Brainwashed... Being RAINBOW COLORED will become the norm and soon the USA will become the SODOM & GAMMORAH.. USA is losing its touch of reality delving into TRAINING CHILDREN to be Gay of any kind... None of the governments business TEACH ABOUT BULLYING!! ?? STOP AND THINK, HONEY..
SAVE LIVES INSTEAD OF TEACHING WHAT KIND OF SEX SOMEONE IN HISTORY LIKED.. I'm a great grandmother.. The world has survived without being taught such ridiculousness. Teach kids how to cook, balance a check book.. How to be a good parent. How to clean the house. Teaching a trade would far better humanity. Rise up parents be aware and care what your government is doing to YOUR CHILDRENS MINDS.. THINK ABOUT IT... WHAT WILL IT BE NEXT.. ??-
Christine E. Desaulnier
Being LGBTQ doesn't have any reason nor meaning of why people are in history books. None
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Clarke Alexander
As I remember history classes and learning about various people their sexual orientation was not noted nor was it relevant. At the time neither was the color of the person. It may be interesting to note ethnic or sexual orientation but it does not or should not be relevant to the accomplishments of the person.
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Stephanie Willey
A historical study of the discrimination, persecution, and struggles of the LGBT community ought to go hand in hand with the study of discrimination and persecution of Jews, Blacks in America, and indigenous peoples. Special attention ought to be given to the contributions to our society and to humanity of individuals and groups from all persecuted groups.
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Clarke Alexander
I agree but it would be a long class. All religious groups have been discriminated against at one time or another including Christians.
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Stephanie Willey
A comparative religions study ought to be a standard course of study for all students, I have always felt
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Minister Jonathan
If the role of historical figures are to be taught whether lgbt or straight should not matter. their role in history is where the emphasis should be put, not focusing on their sexual orientation or identity. I truly don't understand the need for those of the lgbt community to need approval from the masses for being who/what they are. It is my belief to live and let live. I feel that sometimes striving for approval and or acceptance brings about injustices to those seeking approval and or acceptance. for example, if a man is a war hero and also gay, isn't it enough to focus on the facts of his deeds that made him a hero and to teach that in with regular history class? whom said hero is/was buggering should be irrelevant.
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Stephanie Willey
Minister Jonathan, you say "I truly don’t understand the need for those of the LGBT community to need approval from the masses for being who/what they are." I suggest you have it backwards. The masses need to understand that the LGBT community members are and have always been as integral a part of humanity and are just as normal as all the rest of the masses.
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Steven
Abomination
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Richard Lee Cornell
Guess whos brother became a sister.
I guess they may as well educate them, but at what age, and how does a teacher put into their heads his/her own spin on the topic? Stick to the facts only!
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We are not talking explicit sex. We are talking history.
I know that, but do the educators?
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I would think so. It's the religious bunch I'd be more worried about not getting it.
So you're against teaching anything about Christianity as well, I assume.
I was taught about Christianity in school as well as many other religions. We even had a week where we went to multiple churches and temples. I believe children should be exposed to as many positive experiences as possible to learn and grow. But most of all to accept and understand each other.
Dawn, yours is the learning experience ALL children should be offered. A comprehensive comparative study of religions ought to be a standard in all schools.
Excellent!! Face it, most parents know little, if anything, about LGBT in history. I didn't teach my kids what I knew because I stayed in the closet until I was 70! (not a typo error) Many don't even understand the difference between orientation and lifestyle, that orientation is not a choice. Knowing LGBT History will help to eradicate bigotry and hate based on ignorance.
Sorry, but many of us refuse to accept your morals, and I'm sick and tired of the LGBTQ people indoctrinating children. Why is it that sexual orientation is at the forefront of gays? I'm sick of it. When I was a kid, nobody was proud to be gay, it was frowned upon. Call me homophobic, a bigot, ignorant or hateful, but I refuse to lower my morals and accept your sickness as normal.
James Martel, the campaign for LGBT rights isn't about trying to get you and other homophobes to lower your morals, but to raise all of your morals to the point of being accepting and loving of gay people and doing unto them as you would have them and others do unto you. The same complaint that you have made in your post about gay people's putting their sexuality and liberation "in everybody's face" (meaning just being honest and open about it) is what white racists complained about in black and other minority people's putting their civil rights "in everybody's face" and not just keeping all of that to themselves. Gay and black and other people's being out and open and honest about themselves is the only way that they can affirm themselves in society and gain the rights that some or many people would deny to them. Gay people never should have been ashamed of themselves because their sexual orientation is entirely normal, natural, and healthy, and it was only bigotry against them that kept them ashamed!! That bigotry must be fought!! Why should gay people not be open and honest about themselves and their sexual orientation, the same as you are about yourself and yourselves?! That is loving your neighbor as yourself and doing unto others as you would have them do unto you and opening up and freeing your own mind and heart from bigotry against gay people and transgenders! It is the right thing to do!!
I believe this as with many topics adults do not want to talk to their children about. But as a part of life and living with each other it is things that needs to taught or brought up. However it should be an elective class that is offered and must be signed by a parent to proceed with this class. As a student back in the 70's I wanted to take the class in history regarding Communism. But my parents had to sign that it was okay for me to take this elective. It was taught as part of history and historical facts with Russian. Also in elementary public school there was a religious class of some kind that I think it was in regards to Catholic religion, why it was given I don't know as I was only in 4th grade but my parents again signed & agreed for me to learn. And that what its all about is learning. It should not be mandated by any school system but as an elective with parents being a part of the process and information that is being taught. Go with open mind and eyes and your children will too.
School where I teach has club called "gay/straight alliance " and kids are openly gay/bi/trans. I don't think we need to teach them in more urban areas like NJ. CA, DC, but in backwoods towns maybe. I don't like to see gay kids making out in the halls any more than straight kids' public displays of affection but we don't need official training on the topic, it falls under all anti-bullying. And point about WHEN to bring this up and by what staff member is key. I don't think before 8th grade is appropriate. And c'mon, you think they don't know all this stuff already, or want to hear it for a teacher? We need to worry more about math and writing which they are falling behind in.
The fact that the “Christian” parents are “outraged” is exactly why we need to pass the law.
Infecting your kids with bigotry and hate does not serve the values of a free society.
Dear Robert, Your sentiment is loving, courageous and concise.
I’m loving, unsure to neutral...but verbose.
3 for 4 to you.
Those persons who are angry and repressive... have, I’m sure, momentarily forgotten to bless and to be blessed.
Christ, widened the soul, the world and the heart. Isn’t He, and so many other enlightened exemplary philosophers...living examples of Love, and indeed, ready for the sharing?
Love. Needs care.
I’m sure that when we toil; fervently to accept love that is gentle, caring, patient and equal ... even our detractors will learn to live more humbling.
Let us agree to wander in peace and ponder...
Love is a state in which someone else’s happiness is as important as one’s own.
Love is a journey.
The way may be confusing and often painful...the destination may elusive; but the Example is clear.
Giving ... gives light, and reveals the way.
Thank you for your open and helping hand...my friend.
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How do you place a comment that is NOT a reply to a specific comment? I see “Post reply” everywhere but no “Post comment”.
The scripture says raise up a child in the way that you would have him to go and when he is old he shall not depart .
Now there’s a typical man made statement that obviously isn’t true. Hitler, for example, was raised Catholic, or am I missing something?
?❤️
Perhaps you are missing the flaws and failures ... in both our best and worst efforts.
There was a tender and hopeful time when Hitler’s father perished, another when he moved closer to Creativity and Art in particular.
Perhaps that last and desperate effort to be accepted in a well known and well respected art school .. . Was the destruction of his hope for simple acceptance.
Perhaps drowning his vision in the adolescent beer halls thereafter distorted his constructive alternatives.
Mein Kemp...is certainly deranged.
Surely his mother tried to encourage him toward a balance between Pride and prejudice.
Hitler clearly discarded his Catholic options, or found them in the rantings of bitterness and envy
A little person, unable rise above his fears ... a anchor catching other ID-ish and damaged Trolls.